Leiuranus versicolor (Richardson, 1848)
Convict snake eel
photo by Randall, J.E.

Family:  Ophichthidae (Snake eels), subfamily: Ophichthinae
Max. size:  75.4 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  reef-associated; marine; depth range 3 - 18 m
Distribution:  Pacific Ocean: Palau (Ref. 1602), Australia, Papua New Guinea (Ref. 6993) and Norfolk Island (Ref. 8879).
Diagnosis:  Adults become banded with a thin white bar in the middle of each band. Description: Characterized by bold pattern of alternating black and white bars, black bars about twice width of white bars, frequently split dorsally by narrow yellowish line; head length about 13 in TL; body depth about 46 in TL; head and trunk slightly shorter than tail; with pectoral fins; low dorsal fin, origin above middle of pectoral fin; short tube anterior nostril; posterior nostril opposite front edge of eye; projecting upper jaw beyond lower jaw; uniserial jaw teeth or irregular biserial at middle of upper jaw; intermaxillary with about nine teeth (Ref. 90102).
Biology:  A burrowing species of inshore, soft bottom areas (Ref. 7300, 75154).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 20 November 2019 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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